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Sumit SinghalSumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination.

Arkwright in Oslo, Norway by Haptic Architects

Arkwright is a European consultancy that specialize in strategic advice. A new office space has been created for 40-50 employees, including work spaces, reception and back office, kitchen canteen, meeting rooms, breakout space and a “James Bond” room. The office is located in the prime harbor front location of Aker Brygge in Oslo, Norway, in an old converted warehouse building with a large arched window as its centerpiece.

The office is entered on the top floor. A new reception “sculpture” incorporates back offices, reception desk and a large stair/amphitheatre that straddles a double height space. The design is inspired by “svabergs”, large granite stone formations that are typical for the area, rounded and polished by icebergs thousands of years ago.

The “James Bond” room is a windowless bunker-like space, sitting deep in the building – a difficult space to work with. This seemingly unpromising space has been transformed into an executive lounge, for quiet contemplation, creating a private, intimate and calming atmosphere.